Worship Grow Serve. Inside: Preschool, p. 2. Worship, p. 3. Discipleship, p. 4. My Neighbor s Place, p. 5. WUMC Happenings, p. 6. Prayer Corner, p.

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1 3460 Epworth Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio Periodical Postage Paid at Cincinnati, Ohio WESTWOOD UNITED METHODIST CHURCH Lee s Look JANUARY 27, 2017 VOLUME 75, ISSUE 01 Welcome Westwood to According to our church history we are now in our 175th year of ministry! And over the years our legacy has been ministry to thousands of persons in various stages of life. This won t change but many things have how we do ministry (staff driven to lay driven), the name change from Methodist to United Methodist in 1968, various pastors and staff over the years (I m in my 9 th year now!) budgets (when I was born the budget for Westwood was $156,642 and today our ministry budget is $ ), even how we collect the offering (direct withdrawal, stocks and wills as well as the offering plate) and on and on. But we still proclaim the same gospel of Jesus Christ! Inside: Worship Grow Serve Preschool, p. 2 Worship, p. 3 Discipleship, p. 4 My Neighbor s Place, p. 5 WUMC Happenings, p. 6 What s New for 2017? We have just completed our objective of rewriting all the staff job descriptions that now will center on equipping everyone for ministry. We will be looking for fresh expressions of what God is doing in your life and staff goals will be to help realize this expression. When All Aboard is presented this Spring please prayerfully decide on the area of ministry you will focus on in Our theme for All Aboard is I Can Do That! which may mean what you want to do might not be listed. That is a fresh expression. Initiation to Meet This year we ll have three deliberate Invite Y our One times for each of us from the smallest to the biggest, youngest to the oldest to invite someone we are praying for to a church event. (The average United Methodist will invite 1 person every 30 years to church!) To grow all of us need to bring people to church. So begin now to pray for 3 people you would like to invite to church. One of our first unofficial invites was the Mark Kroos concert where 80 people attended. It was a great time of good music, new friends and some nice snacks (of course!) New Staff We will bring on staff a new Student Ministry Team Leader, a Children s Team Leader and a Connections Team Leader (this person will work with teams to help move people through from pre-attending to full involvement in worship, growing and serving in fresh expressions of faith). Our emphasis will be in the above three positions to help us grow in grace, serve and influence our communities. Worship ~ Grow ~ Serve Prayer Corner, p. 7 February in View, p. 8-9 Letting You Know, p. 10 Children p. 11 News You Can Use, p. 12 Bible Principles, p. 13 Good News, p. 14 Fellowship, p. 15 New Covenant and Westwood now have a new pastor on staff, the Reverend Ernest Ologo who will work part-time with New Covenant NC until this summer when he begins full time. NC has had a faith promise drive to cover his salary and the Ohio River Valley is also in partnership with NC to provide for this valuable addition for their goal of becoming a free standing UM Church. To help the adjustments for NC, Westwood s ministry teams will also be involved with NC to help them understand the Methodist manner of organization with the encouragement of developing a Leadership Team. Prayer Focus Our year looks exciting when we consider the opportunities we have to make Jesus known in our communities of family, work, school, neighborhoods. Let s be in prayer for the one we want to invite to church and that we may be faithful to God s purposes. Rev. Dr. Lee Strawhun is the senior pastor at Westwood United Methodist Church lee@westwoodunitedmethodist.org

2 P A G E 2 P A G E 1 5 Join us for Worship Senior Pastor....Lee Strawhun Associate Pastor...David Lyell Visitation Pastor...David Schneider Director of Children & MNP...Sarah Beach Director of Worship & Arts..Michael Kelly Organist..Scott Kimmell Preschool Director Allyson Williams Financial Secretary.Carol Krumpelbeck Office Manager...Julie Fletcher Building Supervisor.....Duncan Cordrey Chimes Editor... Christina McMullin Send articles/info to: cmcmullin@fuse.net Worship Grow Serve DARE YOUR CONGREGATION to get out of the church and LOVE. This Lenten Series follows Jesus life on earth as his own journey of love culminates on the cross. Jesus dares us to show the same love he models in his life on earth, in his death, and in his resurrection. This series demonstrates what a Dare You kind of love looks like. It begins with love of God first. Jesus Loved God with all his heart, all his soul, and all his mind. This love is foundational to the Christian life. Jesus gave the ultimate sacrifice so we could have the Holy Spirit and the church community be our crucible for life. The biblical stories covered in this series highlight love that goes far beyond superficial acceptance of others. Jesus continually went outside of the social norm to bring others into a relationship with God. Each week he shows us God s love through temptation, forgiveness, healing, and sacrifice. He lights up the darkness in the world giving hope, love and life. Ultimately Jesus gives his life, so we can have life. We are called to show this same dare you kind of love to the world today. We are called to experience God s love first, then give up the normal and love, emptying ourselves completely so God s love can flow through us. March 1, 2017: Ash Wednesday God Loved First (Check future bulletins for service times) March 5, 2017: 1st Week of Lent Love Deeper Than Desire Children are like wet cement. Whatever falls on them makes an impression. - Dr. Hiam Ginnot February is the month of love! Here at WUMC Preschool we strive to encourage a love of self, others and learning every day! The most important thing anyone can do for a child is to love them, and teach them about love. Children need to be shown love! Gestures of love towards them and towards others deeply influence children. It is our job to make children conscious of love, its importance and its power. Children are our future. If they do not learn about love they will be unable to show it to others. It is the ability to love that connects us all. Love dwells in each and every one of us! REGISTRATION FOR THE SCHOOL YEAR HAS BEGUN. Please contact the preschool for more information at or preschool@westwoodunitemethodist.org The preschool will have a LuLa Roe Clothing fundraiser here at the church in the gym on: SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 11 from 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM. Children s sizes through plus size available. You are welcome to bring children with you as you shop. Come and see all the fashion! Shop until your heart is content & support Westwood UMC Preschool at the same time! LOOKING FOR MOPPETTS VOLUNTEERS We are looking individuals who like having fun being with children. The evening meetings are once a month on Thursday. If you are interested, contact Karen Bottom Allyson Williams WUMC Preschool Director March 12, 2017: 2nd Week of Lent Love That Flows Through Us March 19, 2017: 3rd Week of Lent Love Beyond Boundaries March 26, 2017: 4th Week of Lent Love That Lights The Way April 2, 2017: April 9, 2017: April 16, 2017: 5th Week of Lent Love That Gives Life 6th Week of Lent Palm Sunday, Powerful Love Easter Love Rises Lenten dinners and studies will begin Wednesday, March 8th. Look for more details in the bulletin Lenten Devotion Dare You to Love We need 38 more stories for our Lenten Devotional around the theme of Dare You to Love. Pastors Lee and David will be preaching that Jesus dares us to show the same love he modeled in his life on earth, in his death, and in his resurrection to one another and those outside the church walls. Where have you seen "daring to love?" What is your story around God's love for you in the midst of temptations, or failure, or joy or healing and sacrifice? Has someone loved you through some struggle? What challenge have you taken on that really was a "dare" for you to love someone? Let us have your story. Stories are due to Julie at Juile@westwoodunitedmethodist.org by February 21st. CHIMES (USPS ) is published monthly, January through November, by Westwood United Methodist Church, 3460 Epworth Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio Periodical Postage paid at Cincinnati, Ohio. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: CHIMES, 3460 Epworth Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio

3 PAGE 14 PAGE Rev. Ernest Padi Ologo I completed Yilo Krobo Secondary School (High School) in 1979 and had my Sixth form education at La Bone Secondary School from 1979 to I was admitted into the University of Ghana from where I obtained the Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Political Science. I worked at the Ghana Industrial Holding Corporation as Assistant Accounts Manager for a brief period during which I married the late Augustina Okoryoe Tey. In August 1987, I travelled to Israel for further studies. A year later my wife joined me in Tel Aviv, Israel. My wife was a great asset to me. While in Israel she insisted we join a church; so we joined the Grace Covenant Church where I received Jesus as my Lord and personal savior. I became very zealous for the Lord and within a short period, I was made the secretary of the local church. I served the Church in various capacities including the General Secretary for the Association of African Churches in Tel- Aviv. The first prophesy about my call to ministry was made by an International Evangelist from the USA in In pursuant of my call, I enrolled with the Berea Bible College in Jerusalem and obtained a diploma in Theology. Messages of Hope at Westwood United Methodist Church 8:30 AM Communion Service, Chapel 9:30 AM Traditional Service, Sanctuary 10:00 AM New Covenant, Chapel 11:00 AM The Modern Service, Epworth Hall Greetings in Christ! What a blessed season of Advent and Christmas we've had this year! I want to give thanks for all of the beautiful and inspiring times of worship we've experienced, made possible by so many people within our church family using the talents that God has given them. One of our main goals at Westwood UMC is the development of participation and leadership within our congregation. In 2016, that development was abundant within the Worship and Arts ministry, particularly in our usher/greeter ministry, Kids' Music Camp, and concert planning. The newly formed Major Events Team has been especially important, as evidenced by the excellent Christmas Spectacular that they organized. To our entire congregation: Thank you! As 2017 unfolds, let's keep looking forward to all of the opportunities God will give us to grow. God bless you in this exciting season! Making a joyful noise, Dr. Michael Kelly Director of Worship and Arts In the year 2000, I returned to Ghana and worked as Pastor for Bethel Prayer Ministry. Later, with the help of my wife, we founded the Strong Tower Evangelistic Ministry. My wife was the prophetess and I was the pastor of the church. After leading the church for two years I decided to travel to the USA. While in the USA, I joined the Ebenezer United Methodist church in November At Ebenezer, I served as the Lay Leader from When my two terms were over, I was made the Worship Committee Chairman for one term and then the Coordinator of Bible Class, a position I held until December I responded to the call into ordained ministry in 2012 and completed a certified candidacy membership program in I enrolled at MTSO in August 2013 as an M.Div. student and graduated in the fall of I was appointed a part-time Pastor for New Westwood UMC commencing January I have been blessed with four children; three boys and a girl. Thanks to members and friends of Westwood United Methodist Church, the 2016 Operation Christmas collected 174 boxes. A big thanks for everyone who participated, especially Dina Rogozinski who coordinated the event. He handed out gifts. to train all Christians in skilled servant work, working within Christ s body, the church, till we are all moving rhythmically and easily with each other, efficient and graceful in response to God s Son, fully mature adults, fully developed within and without, fully alive like Christ. Ephesians 4:11-13 (Msg) About 75 people attended the Mark Kroos Concert on Wednesday, January 25. They were treated to a wonderful fellowship night filled with awesome hand-clapping, toe tapping music. The next free WESTWOOD COMMUNITY DINNER will be 6:00 pm, THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9 at MNP. Contact Sarah Beach, sarah@westwoodunitedmethodist.org or the WUMC office to see how you can help with this fantastic mission. This dinner is open to all, so plan on stopping by for a great meal and wonderful conversation. 3

4 P A G E 4 P A G E 1 3 January 19, 2017 Westwood United Methodist Church, The end of this appointment season, July 1, 2016 July 1, 2017, will mark the conclusion of my ministry at Westwood as an Elder in the UMC. As you know, United Methodist Elders are part of an itinerant ministry. That means we are appointed to lead a congregation for a season at the discretion of the Bishop and their cabinet. The time has come for me to end my appointment at Westwood United Methodist Church. For an Elder s appointment to change one of three parties must initiate a move; the pastor can request a move, the Bishop can ask you to move, or the church can ask the Bishop for a new Elder. The decision to end my appointment at Westwood UMC was initiated by me for reasons that I will address in a moment. I have also informed the cabinet that I do not intend to be appointed to a new church. My decision to conclude my appointment at WUMC this summer is the result of a season of discernment and seeking God s calling. It was a horribly difficult decision to make, after all, I am newly ordained in the UMC. However, I could not reconcile a distinct calling to participate in the secular workplace and the demand of a full-time ministry appointment. So, I have spent many hours in prayer, sought guidance with mentors and talked with colleagues in the conference. Through this process, I have determined that I will leave full-time ministry for a season. I intend to find employment outside of the church in the field of engineering or communications and to work alongside Stephanie to fully rebuild our family business, Lyell Photography. Our family business is so core to our identity and passion for our family, that we feel compelled to focus on its growth and long term viability at this point in our career. I do believe that gaining stability with our business will lead to a vibrant ministry, perhaps even in a bi-vocational setting in the future. I bring you this news so early in the year for the purpose of furthering the mission of WUMC. With this news shared, our church can begin the search process for the staff positions that will continue my work in connections and discipleship. My prayer is that the transition would be seamless and would serve as catalyst for growth and improvement in these key areas of ministry at our church. I feel deeply indebted to this congregation for the formation and grace you have afforded me over these four years as I have grown into the pastor I am today. I see an incredible future of bringing God s kingdom to our corner of Cincinnati through the vision of Westwood United Methodist Church. Warmly, Under the Old Testament economy, people were required to give to God because this was also the means of providing the government. A theocracy was in place then, which meant that government was actually operating under the direct authority and leadership of God Himself. Today, we are under a different economy. However, we are still required to support the government. We may not like the way government operates. We may not agree with the policies of our governmental leaders. We may not even like the political process or the individuals involved in it. But God says that is not the issue. The issue is one of obedience. He says we are to pay our taxes to whom taxes are due (Romans 13:7). In spite of all the ills of government, God says that governmental agencies and government leaders are His servants and that they operate for our ultimate good. So the question is not whether we agree with or even support the work and activities of our government at the local, state and national levels. The question is one of whether or not we will obey God. You see, it s relatively easy to sing, Oh, How I Love Jesus. It s far more difficult to demonstrate our love for Him by yielding to Him in full and complete obedience, especially when His commands are ones we do not care for like paying our taxes. If He is in charge, if He is Lord of our lives, then we will do what He tells us to do. As the little chorus states it so clearly, I ll say, Y es, Lord, Y es to Y our will and to Y our way; Yes, Lord, Yes, I will trust You and obey. Even when it comes to paying my taxes? Even when it comes to paying my taxes! Give therefore to the emperor the things that are the emperor's, and to God the things that are God s. (Matthew 22:21) PLEASE NOTE: Amy Power is now the Flower Coordinator for the ordering of all worship service flower arrangements. You may order using the CONNECTION card on the Bulletin or contact Amy, directly, at alexa@fuse.net Altar arrangements are $62; Organ arrangements are $42. We are putting together the 2017 calendar now! Rev. David Lyell David Lyell Associate Pastor ext. 106 david@ westwoodunitedmethodist.org Our prayers and condolences go out to the family and friends of : Willie Mabry who died November 27, 2016 William Hillis who died December 30, 2016 Jeannette McClellan who died January 23, 2017

5 P A G E 1 2 P A G E 5 Christmas Eve Offering a Success and Haiti Update Our goal was to raise $5000 US for digging a well and providing storage at the Peace Maternity Home and Clinic in Ghana. Edith and Dr. Abel Gyan (John) who attend New Covenant Fellowship are connected through Edith s mother to this clinic. Edith s mother works as a midwife to women who worry whether their baby will survive in an area of Ghana that is economically challenged and very dry. The current plans are for Abel to supervise the planning and digging of the well sometime in the near future. We will have pictures later to celebrate Jesus Birthday present from WUMC. Pastor Lee and Lloyd Pemberton will be traveling to Cap Haitian to visit the Jolitrou clinic that we have provided funds to see how things are progressing. They have completed the roof project and currently working to repair the motorcycle ambulance with the funds we provided. The Jolitrou clinic is part of Grace Children s Hospital in Port-au-Prince which we have supported for years. What s Coming from the Pulpit Creed Series: Apostle s Creed for today February 5 The Mysterious 3 rd Person of the Trinity February 12 Together Forever: Communion of the Saints February 19 Newness of Life: The Joys of Salvation February 26 Lloyd Pemberton preaches at 8:30 am. and 11:00 am. services and Rev. Beth Ann Crego at 9:30 am. service Lent Begins Wednesday, March 1 with our Ash Wednesday service. My Neighbor s Place Second Mile Giving Then the ones who pleased the Lord will ask, When did we give you something to eat or drink? When did we welcome you as a stranger or give you clothes to wear or visit you while you were sick or in jail? The king will answer, Whenever you did it for any of my people, no matter how unimportant they seemed, you did it for me. Matthew 25:37-40 Second Mile Giving for February is My Neighbor s Place Programming and several people in the congregation have asked me what we will spend the money on because they donate their clothes and household goods (thank you!). My Neighbor s Place programming does not have a line item in our church budget but relies solely on fundraising and donations. Truly the motto of freely received, freely given fits at My Neighbor s Place! My Neighbor s Place is open Monday-Thursday! We have worship and Bible Studies; folks are growing in their faith and stepping up to serve. Every week we have a Thursday morning breakfast and Clothing Closet. Each month, there is a special program at our ladies lunch and the men s social dinner, and our community dinner. In 2016 we are hoping to have a few special workshops topics ranging from art, job training, and password classes! In short, we feed hungry folks, share drinks with the thirsty (often times coffee), give clothes to those who need them, pray for the sick, and give hope to some exoffenders...the lonely find Christian community. Jesus is present in our neighbors, what a marvelous miracle. Every dime given to My Neighbor s Place programming is spent fulfilling Matthew 25, so if you will partner with us whether through giving your treasure, time, or talents, you get to be a part of the Kingdom of God coming here to Westwood! Recently, My Neighbor s Place received a special prize as Neighbors Who Care in the Western Hills Press; we were nominated by one of our neighbors who was so grateful for the ministry at MNP. This year My Neighbor s Place will celebrate its 10 year anniversary! Please consider giving generously to support My Neighbor s Place for years to come. Thank You: Thank you for sharing Christmas presents for the My Neighbor s Place Christmas shop. This year we were able to help give 224 toys to our neighbor s as well as 393 sets of hats and gloves for the winter! Thanks for all the volunteers who came in extra to help with our Christmas shop. Save the Date: My Neighbor s Place 10th Year Anniversary Celebration: Sunday, May 21st By Sarah Beach Director of MNP LIFETREE CAFÉ MEETS EVERY MONDAY FROM 7-8 PM AT MY NEIGHBOR S PLACE 3150 Harrison Ave. EVERYONE IS WELCOME TO ATTEND. TRY IT YOU LL LIKE IT! Here are future Lifetree Café discussion topics: FEBRUARY 6 Finding Meaning Every Monday: Secrets to a satisfying week FEBRUARY 13 Crop Circles: They re not what you think FEBRUARY 20 Spiritual but Not Religious: The author of The Shack weighs in FEBRUARY 27 Police Brutality or Necessary Force?: Stories from both sides Visit to preview each week s topic MNP CALENDAR Mondays - Lifetree Cafe is an hour-long experience at 7:00 pm packed with interesting stories, fascinating people, and lively conversation that will feed your soul. Come share your thoughts about compelling topics and hear the thoughts of others. Tuesdays The Closet opens at 8:30 am every Tuesday for folks to join us for coffee, donuts and fellowship before we start a short time of worship at 9:40. Around 10 am the free clothing closet opens where our friends from the 45211neighborhood can go shopping! Wednesdays The Food Pantry is every Wednesday from 10am-12 pm. Thursdays The Neighborhood Cafe opens at 9:00am to noon every Thursday. It is a time to enjoy the company of our neighbors, a cup of coffee and a hot breakfast. We offer a short worship time at 10:10am. Monthly Meals Community Dinners are every 2nd Thursday of the month at 6:00 PM. Ladies Luncheons are always a wonderful time for women, with lively conversations, engaging programs, and door prizes. The Ladies Luncheon is every 4th Tuesday at 11:30 am. Men s Social is every 3rd Tuesday of the month at 11:30 am.

6 P A G E 6 P A G E 1 1 LET US CELEBRATE! What is 175 years old and still strong and vibrant? Westwood United Methodist Church! In 2017 we will celebrate the 175th anniversary of the organization of our church and also celebrate the 120th anniversary of the dedication of the original building at Epworth and Urwiler Avenues. Prior to 1842 a small group would get together in private homes where reading of John Wesley s sermons were given. As the group grew they rented a building for the meetings and in 1842 a one room church was built at the corner of Cheviot and Gamble Avenues. This served the congregation until our present church was dedicated in We know descendants of two of the original members are active in the church today. Stacy Wooley is a descendant of William Wooley who conducted many of the house meetings. The Skidmore and Anness families are descendants of H.H. Garrison who was part of the building committee. If you are aware of other families let us know. Interesting what can come from a small group. The church has certainly changed over the years but it serves the community today as it did when founded. How would you like to celebrate our 175th year? The 100th anniversary in 1942 lasted from September 27 to October 4 and included lectures, music, and a dinner. There was an activity every night. Let us know your ideas. Contact Lori Schulte or Pastor Lee. February WUMC Youth Calendar Feb. 5: Football Watching Party 6:00 pm Feb. 12: Youth Fellowship 6:00 pm-8:00 pm Feb. 19: Youth Fellowship 6:00 pm-8:00 pm Feb. 26: Youth Fellowship 6:00 pm-8:00 pm Sunday School at 9:30 am Modern Worship at 11:00 am After School Basketball: Monday 3-6 pm & Wednesdays 3-6:30 pm For more information contact Scott Beach at: youth@westwoodunitedmethodist.org or call WESTWOOD UMC LEARDERSHIP SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS ARE AVAILABLE The West Ohio Conference is offering two scholarship opportunities for undergraduate students attending accredited institutions of higher education during the academic years. To learn more about the scholarship criteria visit westohioumc.org/conference/undergraduate-scholarships. THE CALL TO LEADERSHIP SCHOLARSHIP A $2,500 to $5,000 award available to a full time undergraduate student who has completed one semester full time credit hours; has a minimum 2.5 GPA; demonstrated leadership in church, and school or community; is a member of local United Methodist Church or United Methodist campus ministry. Candidates may be asked to participate in a conversational interview with members of the West Ohio Conference Scholarship Task Force. This scholarship may be renewed twice through an application process. The West Ohio Conference reserves the right to alter or cancel this scholarship grant due to eligibility or funding. By Sarah Beach Director of Children and Family Ministry and My Neighbor s Place sarah@westwoodunitedmethodist.org KINGDOM CLUB: Wednesday Nights from 7-8 kids in K-6th are invited to Kingdom Club. Come at 6:30 for dinner, we meet in the gym! We are learning What s in the Bible and having a blast together! ART MUSEUM TRIP: Saturday, February 4th from 2:00-4:00 pm. let s explore art together! BINGO SERVICE PROJECT: On Saturday, February 18th we will meet at 1:45 pm. to go to Judson Village. We will return at 3:00 pm. Club 56 members can bring a joke. KIDS SAY THE FUNNIEST THINGS! When a mother saw a thunderstorm forming in mid-afternoon, she worried about her seven-year-old daughter who would be walking the three blocks from scho ol to home. Deciding to meet her, the mother saw her daughter walking nonchalantly along, stopping to smile whenever lightning flashed. Seeing her mother, the little girl ran to her, explaining happily, "All the way home, God's been taking my picture!" A mother took her three-year-old daughter to church for the first time. The church lights were lowered, and then the choir came down the aisle, carrying lighted candles. All was quiet until the little one started to sing in a loud voice, "Happy Birthday to you, happy birthday to you..." A father was reading Bible stories to his young son. He read, "The man named Lot was warned to take his wife and flee out of the city, but his wife looked back and was turned to salt." His son asked, "What happened to the flea?" Six-year-old Angie and her four-year-old brother Joel were sitting together in church. Joel giggled, sang, and talked out loud. Finally, his big sister had enough. "You're not supposed to talk out loud in church." "Why? Who's going to stop me?" Joel asked. Angie pointed to the back of the church and said, "See those two men standing by the door? They're hushers." Attending a wedding for the first time, a little girl whispered to her mother, "Why is the bride dressed in white?" "Because white is the color of happiness and today is the happiest day of her life," her mother tried to explain, keeping it simple. The child thought about this for a moment, then said, "So, why's the groom wearing black?" A three-year-old boy went with his dad to see a litter of kittens. On returning home, he breathlessly informed his mother, "There were two boy kittens and two girl kittens." "How did you know?" his mother asked. "Daddy picked them up and looked underneath," he replied. "I think it's printed on the bottom." SUBMISSION DEADLINE: MARCH 15, Contact Pastor Lee or the office for application information.

7 P A G E 1 0 P A G E 7 UMW MEETING THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, :00 am. Refreshments in the Gym Program follows in the Wesmates Room Call to Prayer and Self Denial: Abundant maternal & Infant health Vera Marker, Leader Do you live alone? Are you lonely? Do you dislike always eating alone? PLEASE JOIN US! We eat meals together twice a month, make new friends and have a really good time together. For reservations, information, or transportation call Sally Dessauer or Arlene Schwerin We d love for you to join us! THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5:00 pm We will meet for dinner at Price Hill Chili 4920 Glenway Ave, near Cleves Warsaw THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5:00 pm We will meet for dinner at Maury s Tiny Cove Restaurant 3908 Harrison Ave. in Cheviot RSVP: Sally Dessauer or Arlene Schwerin By Sally Dessauer 2017 IHN HOSTING SCHEDULE January 29 - February WUMC June Grace Place: we provide food and evening hosting at a fine home in College Hill August WUMC November WUMC The new year is a good time to get young families to help with hosting: mother and/or father with their elementary age children who can play with the children of our homeless families. It is a worthwhile experience for everyone! We are always interested in more overnight hosts (8:30 pm to 6:45 am). You really do sleep most of the time! There are also plenty of other ways to help the homeless families. For more information check out the yellow IHN brochure found in racks around the church, or call Sally Dessauer , Carol Wright or Lynn Hampshire CAN YOU HELP? IHN is in need of bedding and blankets for single beds. Please bring your donations to the church office. Thanks for your help! 2nd Mile Giving Our 2nd mile offering during FEBRUARY goes to: MY NEIGHBOR S PLACE PROGRAMING CIRCLE MEETINGS Knitting February 20 7:00 pm Sharon Rudesill s home Faith February 21 9:30 am Elaine Power s home Christman/Haskell February 15 6:30 pm Jan Peter s home Brandt/Anger February 16 9:30 am Parlor Quilting Circle February 9 1:00 pm Cindy Grant s home By Beth Strawhun How Do You Pray After You ve Hit the Wall! I love to pray and often hear immediate answers. I ve also learned how to discern what He wants of me. I have experienced high/low periods during which I have felt especially close to or separated from God. Eighteen months ago, I had open-heart surgery to replace my Aortic Valve. My attitude was great going into surgery and I definitely felt the presence of God throughout my hospital stay. The recuperation took a lot longer than I had ever imagined. The doctors and nurses kept asking if I felt depressed. I couldn t imagine why they kept asking and I jokingly said, Oh let me count the ways! My life was stressful and I had reason to be depressed but when I asked why they kept asking me that, they said it was common after heart surgery. All I can say is, my recovery took every bit of a year during which I felt very separated from God. I ve been working to regain my footing ever since and finally feel I m on my way back. I hope to relate to all of you as you may have experienced something similar in your prayer life. I can t say there is a right or wrong way to rediscover your prayer life. It has taken some very good, Christian friends to help bring me around. Using gentle nudging (not preaching), my friends helped me see how much I still cared about others, which is also the recipe for climbing out of depression. Little by little, as my physical strength returned, I was able to participate in prayer activities, such as, Experiencing God. I had forgotten how powerfully meaningful that was. Experiencing God is a self-driven, meditative, prayer experience, which the Prayer Team offers at Lent and on a periodic basis. As to the many ways to enhance or begin a meaningful prayer life, I ll give you a few ideas: Read the Bible or join a Bible study group Read a daily devotional book Journal your prayer requests and answers Read non-fiction survival stories Attend Church Surely there are many other ways to draw Christ into your life. Open you heart and mind to hearing His Word. If you have more ideas, share! We love to hear success stories that are uplifting to all of us. At the beginning of each New Year, there is a sense of reflection as well as new beginnings. The following testimony written by Barb Vogt gives a challenge by which to start 2017 in our individual prayer lives. It also flows well with our 2017 church-wide emphasis on Intimacy with God.

8 P A G E 8 P A G E 9 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday THE DATES & TIMES OF CALENDAR EVENTS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE. PLEASE CALL THE OFFICE ( ) OR CHECK THE WEBSITE IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS 1 IHN 10:00 am My Neighbor s Place Food Pantry 1:30 pm Pastor s Bible Study, Library 3:00 pm WUMC Youth, Wesley Room 6:30 pm Kingdom Club, God s Backyard 7:00 pm Choir Rehearsal, Sanctuary 7:00 pm Sticky Faith, Library 2 IHN 9:00 am MNP Neighborhood Cafe 10:00 am UMW Unit Meeting, Wesmates Room 4:30 pm Yoga, God s Backyard 5:00 pm Together On Our Own, Off site 7:00 pm Open Hearts, Library 3 IHN 4 IHN 9:00 am Christian Mindful ness Series, Faber Room 7:00 pm Merrimates Social, Parlor 5 8:30 am Communion Service, Chapel 9:30 am Traditional Worship Service, Sanctuary 9:30 am SOS, Parlor 11:00 am Modern Service, Epworth Hall 11:00 am Merrimates, Parlor 11:00 am Wesmates, Wesmates Room 12:15 pm Worship Band Rehearsal, Epworth Hall 6:00 pm Student Ministries, Youth Room 6:00 pm Sunday Night Small Group, Library 6 3:00 pm WUMC Youth, Gym 7:00 pm Lifetree Café, MNP 7 9:30 am My Neighbors Place Closet 3:30 pm Yoga for Ladies, God s Backyard 5:00 pm Yoga, God s Backyard 6:30 pm Yoga, God s Backyard 6:30 pm Handbells Rehearsal, Saints Room 7:00 pm SPRC 7:30 pm Al-Anon, Wesmates Room 8 10:00 am My Neighbor s Place Food Pantry 1:00 pm Wesgals, Parlor 1:00 pm Betz Small Group, Faber Room 1:30 pm Pastor s Bible Study, Library 3:00 pm WUMC Youth, Wesley Room 6:30 pm Kingdom Club, God s Backyard 7:00 pm Choir Rehearsal, Sanctuary 7:00 pm Sticky Faith, Library 9 9:00 am MNP Neighborhood Cafe 1:30 pm Quilting Circle, Cindy Grant s home 4:30 pm Yoga, God s Backyard 6:30 pm MOPS / MOPS NEXT, Epworth Hall 7:00 pm Open Hearts, Library :00 am Church Council Workshop, Epworth Hall 12 8:30 am Communion Service, Chapel 9:30 am Traditional Worship Service, Sanctuary 9:30 am SOS, Parlor 10:30 am Prayer Service, Heritage Room 11:00 am Modern Service, Epworth Hall 11:00 am Merrimates, Parlor 11:00 am Wesmates, Wesmates Room 12:00 pm Church Conference, Sanctuary 12:15 pm Worship Band Rehearsal, Epworth Hall 6:00 pm Student Ministries, Youth Room 13 3:00 pm WUMC Youth, Gym 7:00 pm Lifetree Café, MNP 14 HAPPY VALENTINE S DAY 9:30 am My Neighbors Place Closet 2:30 pm Heartlifters, Parlor 3:30 pm Yoga for Ladies, God s Backyard 5:00 pm Yoga, God s Backyard 6:00 pm Growth Groups / LTC Core Team, Library 6:30 pm Yoga, God s Backyard 6:30 pm Handbell Rehearsal, Saints Room 7:30 pm Al-Anon, Wesmates Room 15 10:00 am My Neighbor s Place Food Pantry 1:30 pm Pastor s Bible Study, Library 3:00 pm WUMC Youth, Wesley Room 6:30 pm Kingdom Club, God s Backyard 6:30 pm Christman/Haskell Circle, Jan Peter s home 7:00 pm Choir Rehearsal, Sanctuary 7:00 pm Sticky Faith, Library 16 9:00 am MNP Neighborhood Cafe 9:30 am Brandt/Anger Circle 4:30 pm Yoga, God s Backyard 5:00 pm Together On Our Own, Off site 7:00 pm Open Hearts, Library :30 am City Gospel Mission, Off-site 19 8:30 am Communion Service, Chapel 9:30 am Traditional Worship Service, Sanctuary 9:30 am SOS, Parlor 11:00 am Modern Service, Epworth Hall 11:00 am Merrimates, Parlor 11:00 am Wesmates, Wesmates Room 12:15 pm Worship Band Rehearsal, Epworth Hall 6:00 pm Student Ministries, Youth Room 6:00 pm Sunday Night Small Group, Library 20 CHURCH BUILDING CLOSED 7:00 pm Lifetree Café, MNP 21 9:30 am My Neighbors Place Closet 9:30 am Faith Circle, Elaine Power s home 11:30 pm MNP Ladies Luncheon, MNP 3:30 pm Yoga for Ladies, God s Backyard 5:00 pm Yoga, God s Backyard 6:30 pm Yoga, God s Backyard 6:30 pm Handbell Rehearsal, Saints Room 7:30 pm Al-Anon, Wesmates Room 22 10:00 am My Neighbor s Place Food Pantry 1:00 pm Betz Small Group, Faber Room 1:30 pm Pastor s Bible Study, Library 3:00 pm WUMC Youth, Wesley Room 6:30 pm Kingdom Club, God s Backyard 7:00 pm Choir Rehearsal, Sanctuary 7:00 pm Sticky Faith, Library 23 9:00 am MNP Neighborhood Cafe 9:30 am UMW Board Meeting, Wesmates Rm. 4:30 pm Yoga, God s Backyard 7:00 pm Open Hearts, Library :30 am Communion Service, Chapel 9:30 am Traditional Worship Service, Sanctuary 9:30 am SOS, Parlor 11:00 am Modern Service, Epworth Hall 11:00 am Merrimates, Parlor 11:00 am Wesmates, Wesmates Room 12:15 pm Worship Band Rehearsal, Epworth Hall 6:00 pm Student Ministries, Youth Room 6:00 pm Sunday Night Small Group, Library 6:00 pm Girl Scouts, God s Backyard 27 3:00 pm WUMC Youth, Gym 7:00 pm Lifetree Café, MNP 28 9:30 am My Neighbors Place Closet 3:30 pm Yoga for Ladies, God s Backyard 5:00 pm Yoga, God s Backyard 6:30 pm Yoga, God s Backyard 6:30 pm Handbell Choir, Saints Room 7:00 pm Trustees, Parlor 7:30 pm Al-Anon, Wesmates Room 1 ASH WEDNESDAY